One could argue that the most important position in the NBA 2k League Combine is Point Guard. The Point Guard brings the ball up the court, initiates offense and talks through offensive/defensive sets. This adds responsibility to everyone playing this position. Now, let’s evaluate the subject of my next NBA 2k League prospect profile, ThurberSr.
As I alluded to in the introduction, ThurberSr. (TS) is playing the Point Guard position during the NBA 2k League combine. Specifically, he’s chosen to be a slashing play-maker. As far as his archetypal choice, I’m fine with it. There’s more than one way to play Point Guard successfully and from what I’ve seen, TS has the ability to that.
As much as I enjoyed him, TS left a lot to be desired on the defensive end. In all fairness, my possession by possession analysis is just on one game. I have also made an effort to watch some of his other tape to really see how he plays defense.
From what I’ve seen, TS can, but is not always, a defensive liability. I think this is also due to his archetypal choice and not having any natural defensive abilities, but, he made the choice. For example, his opponent would routinely drive and pull up for a mid-range jump shot. Instead of playing off, and anticipating the pull up, he would play tight to the ball and get beat to the basket. He would also not adjust his position.
Instead of opening up and allowing him to drive to an area he had defensive help, TS would play him straight up and give him a two-way go. In the game I watched in detail, TS did make adjustments as the game continued, but it wasn’t enough to impact his opponent.
There are a few things that can help TS play better defense consistently. First, he can eliminate unnecessary movements like steals and blocks. This will allow him to stay in good defensive position more consistently instead of getting beat due to a poorly timed animation.
Second, he should use his opponents archetype against them. If an opponent has chosen to be a slasher, play off from the start and force him to prove he can shoot. Conversely, don’t give a sharp a lot of space to get up a shot. It seems obvious, but I continually see players not take advantage of knowing that information from the start.
Third and finally, TS needs to communicate on defense when he needs help. I totally understand that getting helped on defense is not his job. However, if he doesn’t ask for help when it’s clearly needed, that’s on him. Overall, TS has the potential to be a good defender, he just needs to do the basics more consistently.
Offensively, ThurberSr. is tremendously gifted as a Point Guard. His understanding of timing and spacing in pick and roll is great. If it weren’t for some of the frustrating 2k animations and scenarios, TS would have had five or six more assists. His biggest asset is his patience. He won’t force a pass into the paint off a roll unless it was there. Below are some examples that demonstrate his all around offensive game.
His passing ability was complimented nicely by knowing when to attack the basket aggressively and pull up for a mid-range jump shot. If anything, he could have been even more aggressive attacking the basket. He would often beat the opponent to the basket and pass back out to the top of the key for an open three pointer. There were times when I thought that strategy became predictable, but isn’t anything he should be concerned about.
TS had excellent communication on the offensive end. He would do most of his talking before crossing half court. It was natural for him to direct traffic and delegate which players should cut, screen, roll and wrap. Sadly, this didn’t translate on the defensive side of the ball. TS would rarely call out switches, screens, and box outs. It’s not out of the ordinary, but as the Point Guard, you have more responsibility and should be expected to communicate more and better than most players.
When it comes to attitude, TS is never too high or low. I appreciate that kind of steady, reserved mindset. He was never demeaning towards his teammates, or let his frustrations get the best of him. There was one thing I did not appreciate during the game. Instead of playing the final possession of his game, he simply dribbled out the clock. There isn’t anything wrong or malicious with his decision, but, the last impression he left for anyone watching was not positive. Always play hard, and let the other team decide if they are going to stop playing.
ThurberSr. is a promising player at Point Guard. I love his offensive game. He can do almost anything with the ball in his hands. But, his defense and attitude in the game I evaluated earns him a “C+”. This is not an indication of his potential or an attack on his character. This is just an honest evaluation from the game I watched in-depth and the few others I skimmed. ThurberSr. can easily make adjustments to elevate his defense and I look forward to his progress in the combine.
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